EO Update

Message from Executive Officer

We're delighted to share our new 2025-2026 Membership Prospectus and Strategic Direction 2025-2029 as we start planning for the next financial year. We look forward to growing our membership and continuing to work with members to achieve important outcomes for the destination.

It's been an incredibly busy few weeks including following up from meetings held at ATE25 in Brisbane this fortnight. ATE25 was the biggest on record, with 1,600 Australian sellers and over 700 buyers from 31 countries. TPDD held 84 appointments with key trade partners across the tourism distribution funnel, including DMCs, inbounders, wholesalers, and travel agents. We were joined by 10 operators from Port Douglas and Daintree, representing our destination as part of the TTNQ contingent.

Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, especially from the US, UK, Europe, and New Zealand markets, where interest in high-value FIT and small group business continues to grow. However, there is room to increase our visibility in eastern markets, including Japan, China, India, and Korea. Cairns currently holds greater visibility, but this presents a clear opportunity for us to strengthen Port Douglas and Daintree’s appeal, particularly for high-value FIT travellers.

With the new Fiji Airways connectivity into Cairns, we anticipate a boost in US visitation, and the low AUD is further driving demand from US, UK, and European markets. Moving forward, we will continue to push destination content and leverage these opportunities to extend the 2025 season.

Last week, the TODAY Show’s two-day broadcast from Port Douglas and the Daintree provided a fantastic platform to showcase the natural beauty and unique experiences that make our region so special. The exposure was invaluable as we continue to reinforce our destination’s appeal to a domestic national audience.

As we gear up for the festivities of Port Douglas Carnivale, we’ll be hosting several key famil groups, producing new content, and showcasing our destination through storytelling to drive future visitation.

The Tour de Cure will be coming to Port Douglas on June 6. Network Seven’s Sunrise presenter Mark Beretta will ride in the Signature Tour from Airlie Beach to Port Douglas. TPDD has facilitated a destination ad on Sunrise the morning the tour arrives, sponsored by Quicksilver, Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre, and Back Country Bliss.

Future Occupancy is looking healthier than 2024 and 2023 as we look forward to July, August and October. September is tracking above 2024 but behind 2023. We call on operators to join us in marketing efforts to support the extension of the season with a focus on September to December.

Thank you for your ongoing support and dedication to promoting Port Douglas and Daintree.

Wishing you a happy and festive Carnivale week ahead!

Emma